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Worship & Rituals
Bhajanभजन
A devotional song expressing love for the divine, sung alone or in groups as an act of bhakti.
Detailed Explanation
A bhajan is a devotional hymn, usually in a regional language, with simple melodies and repeated refrains that let a congregation join in. Bhajans are central to bhakti practice and are sung at home, in temples, and at gatherings (satsang). The medieval poet-saints — among them Mirabai, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Kabir — composed bhajans that are still sung today.
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Related Terms
Kirtanकीर्तन
Call-and-response devotional chanting of divine names and mantras, usually set to music.
Aartiआरती
A devotional ritual where light from wicks soaked in ghee is offered to a deity.
Japaजप
The meditative repetition of a mantra or divine name, usually counted on a mala of 108 beads.
Stotraस्तोत्र
A hymn of praise to a deity, composed in verse and meant for devotional recitation or singing.